Last weekend I entered my first endurance mountain bike ride. An 8 hour race through the Australian bush doing laps with my neighbour. This is not a self-indulgent post about personal triumph, but there were many parallels with business. Here is Part 1 of 4.
1. Prepare - Everything had to be in shape, from our bodies to our equipment. How often do you go into a business venture (or situation) unprepared? Are you really ready to face a troublesome client? Have you done all your homework? Do you know the outcome you are expecting?
2. Shared goals - We agreed that we were not going for a win, nor was it social. We would push ourselves beyond the normal, but not extremes. Do you and your staff know what the 'end' looks like? Is it to be No.1? To learn? To support?
3. Sacrifice - We gave up small things to prepare. No booze for days leading up. Early to bed on Saturday night. Are you willing to give up a few small things for the big picture? Skip lunch? Miss a useless meeting? Don't check emails?
4. Anticipation - We looked forward to the event and yet were worried. Is there a sense of healthy nervousness about the job? Don't confuse it with self-doubt.
5. Start - I thought I was being smart and would start at the front of a field of 300. As I got ready the marshal asked us to turn around, we were headed the other way. In an instant, I went from the front to the back, and the race hadn't started. But it didn't matter, it was an enduro. Have you started after the competition? It's an enduro, keep going. As Seth Godin tells us - 'you gotta ship'. Just start regardless.
6. Expect Confusion - Things didn't go to plan. Our transitions got muddled. But we took the confusion in our stride. After all, we were not in it to win, so the odd mistake was OK. Have you prepared for confusion? It will be there.
Tomorrow goals crash, commitment, and respect.
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